My backyard is calling and I must go! I hope outdoor enthusiast John Muir doesn’t mind that I adapted his quote, but he did die in 1914 so I think he’s probably O.K. with it. (He probably wouldn’t have any idea how to get online to even see this, sooooo …) There’s nothing I love more as soon as the temperature changes than taking up residence outdoors on the patio. It’s been consistently in the 70s (and 80s) in my part of the world and people are swimming in the Gulf of Mexico so it must be time for some patio sittin’.
This list is me preaching to the choir because I need all of this stuff: New patio umbrellas, bug zappers, drink coolers and I can’t forget the plethora of light options to turn your dark space into something dreamy and romantic (or at least well-lit). Whether you’re furnishing a new space or updating an old one, consider this your all-in-one-patio shop to make the warm days ahead even better.
Sit Under My Umbrella
You’re going to need a good umbrella if you’re going to spend a lot of time out in the sun. This market umbrella is the perfect accent to any outdoor space, especially if you snag it in this cheery yellow. It has a hand to crank the cover and a tilt feature so you can always ensure that you’re made in the shade.
Bug Off
Oh, those pesky bugs! I’ve already noticed them starting here. This rechargeable mosquito repellent puts flying critters in their place without the use of a spray, flame or scent. Consider this your DEET-free bug spray alternative. Choose from black, gray or blue and two battery options for up to nine hours of run time. This gadget covers 80 percent more area than prior editions.
Light Up The Night
You’ll never believe how much solar-powered pathway lights can add to your outdoor space until you get them in place. I recently added some at my house and it makes a huge difference. This set includes a six-pack that gives off warm white light, perfect for your lawn, patio, walkways, deck, driveway and more. Right now, grab them at 8% off.
Keep Your Cool
Tell me you’re serious about your outdoor drinks without telling me you’re serious about your outdoor drinks. This 80-qt. antique patio cooler is, well, cool, no pun intended, with teak accents, rolling wheels, handles to push and enough space for up to 110 12.-oz. beverage cans. Drinks will stay cold for up to 36 hours in this bad boy, which comes in six different colors.
Kiss My Grass
Want your backyard to always be party ready? This nine-ft. patio umbrella has a thatched tiki-style grass top so you can feel like you’re on the beach in Hawaii — even if you’re in your backyard in Iowa. This has a sturdy frame, a convenience crank for opening and closing and UPF50+ sun protection that’ll filter out 98% of harmful rays.
Go Nuts
Hey, it’s five o’clock somewhere, amirite? These ceramic coconut-shaped mugs will hold your milk and OJ just as well as they’ll hold a tasty marg, but the margarita is probably more appropriate? You’ll get a set of four, handpainted mugs that’ll add a touch of fun to your barware collection or luau-themed party. These are generously sized to hold 17 ounces of liquid.
Raise The Bar
If entertaining is in your blood, this wood and aluminum bar cart should be on your patio, particularly when you can grab it for 16% off. This cart incorporates a rich wood structure and aluminum accents for a modern industrial design, with plenty of shelves (including bottle holders) to keep you organized. Enjoy a drop-leaf design for as little or as much space as you need.
String Me Along
String lights are one of my favorite outdoor accessories because they can transform a space for as little as $32 (and, right now, these are 33% off!). These are commercial-grade and waterproof with cool Edison bulbs that are shatterproof and give off soft white light. A 27-ft. string should give you plenty of length to hang them!
Wine And Dine
Is there anything better than alfresco dining? (That’s just a fancy way of saying that you’re eating outside.) This acacia wood dining set includes a sturdy teak-finished table and four chairs (and you even get the cushions!). This set is functional year-round and can be purchased right now for 44% less than usual. Amazon even has payment plans that would make this roughly $25 a month!
Your Secret Garden
If you’ve ever read any of my other articles, you know that I mostly have black thumbs, not green ones, although I’m getting better. This galvanized raised garden bed kit is an adorable addition to a backyard (and 23% off at the moment). Choose from five colors and three sizes; it’ll only take you about five minutes to set up and then you can start planting.
Shine Bright Like A Diamond
Remember when I said I love patio lights? This is another option that might suit your fancy. These have vintage-style Edison bulbs and are commercial-grade and weatherproof. You’ll get a 48-ft. strand here for less than $40, which is 20% for a limited time. If 48 feet isn’t enough, opt up to as many as 96 feet and light up the whole dang neighborhood.
Throwing Shade
Umbrellas are swell but treat the grillmaster in your life to one of these gazebo canopies with LED lighting. (Father’s Day is just around the corner, you know.) The person doing the cooking is usually left to “cook” themselves in the sun while everyone else is enjoying the shade. This gazebo comes in six colors and is 28% off list price.
Pitch A Tent
Speaking of gazebos, wouldn’t a pop-up instant gazebo be awesome? This tent even has mosquito netting so you can sit in 121 square feet of shade and not be pestered by bugs. Lightweight and equipped with a carrying bag, you can throw this gazebo up anywhere. It has a vented top for extra airflow, comes in seven colors and is 11% off if you snag it right now.
Solar Flair
Fancy yourself a little “extra?” Then, you’re going to need these solar lanterns, priced at 12% off, which cast a beautiful on its surroundings. Use these as tree lights, umbrella lights, porch decor or on a table — the choice is totally yours. Even better, these are solar-powered so you’ll save a ton on your energy costs as the summer progresses.
Lounge Around
Hey, whatcha doin’? Just lounging around? You will be if you’re smart enough to grab these outdoor chaise loungers with mesh seats for a whopping 33% off. This set of two comes in two different shades of gray guaranteed to go with anything. Adjustable with five positions and with wheeled legs for easy mobility, just imagine yourself perched here whiling away the warm days ahead.
Let’s Chat
When a patio space calls for an entire set of furniture, this adorably-named chat set is worth a look. Created by Christopher Knight Home, this four-piece set is made from acacia wood and wicker, in a teak/beige/mixed brown color combination. Water-resistant cushions can withstand whatever spring and summer throw at them. Throw some vibrant pillows on these pieces and you’ve got instant charm.
Vase Face
Pot heads, unite! (Not that kind, c’mon now.) This is a literal pot head, designed to look like a face with closed eyes and hands on cheeks. (They even come in a couple of different “skin tones.”) Plant your succulents, herbs, cacti or other small plants and flowers in this cute face planter, which has a drainage hole at the bottom to help your plant stay perfectly healthy.
Grab A Chair
There’s nothing quite like a cozy nook, indoors or out, and this set of mid-century wicker club chairs is a great start. Made with environmentally-friendly acacia wood frames, these have a combo natural stain-gray tone to them. And, where else are you going to get a matching set of chairs for less than $250? Amazon, that’s where, and they’ll be at your door in two days.
Cast A Light On Things
Sometimes, you want lights but you don’t want lights — does that make sense? These solar deck lights are sleek and practically overlookable (is that a word?), perfect for small spaces like stairs, a narrow pathway or even a fence. Solar-powered, these only take four or five hours to charge and turn on and off without you having to lift a finger.
A Leading Light
You were probably a Boy Scout or a Girl Scout at some point in your life, weren’t you? What that means is that you’re probably equipped with a patio umbrella you love, but could you be convinced to upgrade it with this snap-on, cordless umbrella light? This adds three brightness modes to your outdoor space, and will only set you back $12.
I’m Your Biggest Fan
I’d like to shake the hand (and maybe kiss the face) of the person who invented fans because he (or she) has kept me more comfortable than they probably ever realized. This wall-mount fan is industrial-strength and 18 inches in diameter, with three speeds great for warehouses, greenhouses, workshops and, of course, patios. (You can even go up to 24 inches to really get your cool on.)
At Full Tilt
It always seems like I find myself chasing the shade when I use a standard umbrella. This striped umbrella has a crank and a push-button tilt feature so you’ll never have to chase the shade again. Right now, it’s a whopping 49% off so you’d be foolish to skip it. Reviewers love its large size, and I’m fond of the crisp navy-and-white design.
Sway Back And Forth
If “quirky” is your middle name, you’re bound to fall in love with these swaying solar lights, which not only add glow but movement to your yard, patio, garden or sidewalks. Made from flexible iron wire with a heavy bulb base, these come in packs of two so you can stick them literally anywhere. Right now, these are nearly 20% off so it’s a great time to buy.
Changing Of The Guard
When kids won’t sit still long enough to get sprayed down, give them one of these individually-wrapped mosquito repellent bracelets and send them on their way. These are plant-based and DEET-free, using natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass and geraniol. The stretchiness of these makes them great for wrists or ankles on kids and even adults. Reviewers said these are great for travel.
Hot Potato
Even if you have a small space, if you have enough room for these 10-gallon potato grow bags, you can totally grow your own food. These bags come in a four-pack and can grow more than just potatoes (as you can see from the photo). They’re equipped with handles and harvest windows so you can check out the action under the soil.
Up In Smoke
Smoke or grill, grill or smoke — with this charcoal grill with an offset smoker, you don’t have to choose one or the other. This has a nearly perfect rating with more than 3,500 reviews on Amazon and a killer price tag of less than $150. It’s not short of features either with a lid-mounted thermometer, a two-level adjustable pan and front and side tables for work space.
A Table For Two
All bistro sets are not created equal! Most have that cheap, plastic-y look but this set, made from acacia wood, is one you’ll be proud to call neighbors over to sit at. (Maybe.) This set, so reasonably priced at just $200, includes both chairs and the table as well as the cushions so it’s good to go right out of the box.
Pillow Talk
I can’t be the only person out there with a pillow problem; I just want to put those things everywhere! This two-pack of waterproof outdoor pillow covers can add pops of color to your bistro sets, chat sets and patio furniture for less than $12. (These are nearly 30% off right now.) Choose from nearly two dozen color options to match your decor or mood.
In The Hot Seat
Sometimes, you don’t need new furniture — you just need “refreshed furniture.” The best, and most economical, way to do that is with new cushions. These outdoor deep seating cushion sets are extra plush and padded and come in 40 (4-0!) different options including stripes, florals, solids and more. These are the No. 1 best seller in the patio furniture cushions category.
Clear The Table
We’ve talked a lot about acacia pieces for your patio, which is great if you’re trying to decorate multiple spaces or a larger area. This acacia wood coffee table is not only a great addition to the other pieces we’ve looked at but an unusual one. I mean, who’s ever seen a coffee table outdoors? I’m going to call it a wine table, though. It’s too hot out there for coffee.
You Mist Buy This
If there’s one product on this list that’ll change your summer, it’s this misting kit that connects to an outdoor fan. (Trust me, it’s the best $16 you’ll spend this year.) This kit comes with a removable nozzle, solid seating and a soft misting spray rather than a soaking water column-type spray. One reviewer said, “I used this on my standing shop fan … as I dug and prepped the foundation for my pool in 90-degree heat. Kept me cool as can be.”
You’ll Want This Smoke
If you’re serious about smoking (meats, not cigs), you’re going to want to get your hands on this 17-inch steel charcoal smoker. A built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply on the lid let you have full control over your cooking. A two-piece cooking grid gives you more than 450 square inches of cooking space while a crossbar and four hangers let you smoke different sizes and shapes of meat.
Riding The Bench
Is it a flowerbox with a seat or a seat with two flowerboxes? Either way, you’re going to love this planter/bench combo. Made from dark red meranti wood treated with teak oil, it’s water- and weatherproof made to last a long time. A reviewer who purchased two of these called them “easy to assemble, low cost and high value.”
In The Shed
If you have a patio and/or a backyard, you probably have stuff. You know what kind of “stuff” I mean: Garden tools, weed killer, hammers and rakes and all that jazz. This metal outdoor storage shed gives you just enough room to hide that gear away with a door you can easily walk through and a lock to keep others out. At 6% off, this is just $159.
Cool As The Other Side Of The Pillow
Remember when I said I love pillows? <Insert grin here.> These square outdoor pillows come in a pack of two and are understated in a navy blue and natural ivory canvas. They might seem pricier at $60-ish dollars but these are actual pillows and not covers so you’ll save some dough by not having to buy forms to use inside of covers.
Cut A Rug
We’ve already established that I love a good pillow, but I’m equally as impressed by a good rug. This indoor/outdoor area rug comes in the cutest fish pattern (and several colors), perfect for the outdoors or the sportsman in your life. This rug is basically magic because it’s stain-, weather- and UV-resistant and friendly for both kids and pets.
Jack A Lantern
Traditional pathway lights usually sit low to the ground and have a fairly basic light inside them. These solar lantern lights have a more upscale look that almost mimics candles inside of glass. This purchase includes eight of these staked lights, which — surprise! — can also be hung from the hooks. These are waterproof and solar-powered with auto on/off at dawn and dusk.
It’s Your Deck (In A) Box
Kudos if you recognize that headline and what it means; if you don’t, just keep reading. This 150-gallon large deck box is a great way to conceal everything from garden tools to pool toys to patio furniture to cushions either in — or out — of season. It can even be used as additional seating, making it a multipurpose buy that’s presently 18% off.
Flower Power
Pillows! It’s more PILLOWS! These floral pillow covers are just adorable with a smattering of colorful flowers and butterflies on a cream linen background. This set of four costs less than $19 (or less than $5 per cover). Usable indoors or out, these have an invisible zippered closure that makes it easy to pop the pillow inserts in or out, and they’re totally machine washable.
Touching Base
If you’re going to buy one of the gorgeous patio umbrellas we’ve looked at, you’re going to need somewhere to put it. This $35 umbrella base (23% off) is made from rust-free composite materials with a bronze powder-coated finish, and can accommodate a pole of up to two inches in diameter. This is an Amazon best seller, too,
Kiss My Grass
We don’t all have backyards with grass adjoining our patio spaces. (I know I don’t.) This handmade faux grass rug adds a bit of “green” to any space in sizes from six feet up to 10 feet. Stain-, weather- and UV-resistant, these are great for high-traffic areas and safe for kids and pets to walk and play on. Just don’t let Fido take a leak on it!
Just Hanging Around
As soon as I saw this picture of this double rope hammock, it immediately made me miss the one I used to have. This one is heavy-duty, able to withstand two people and nearly 500 pounds of weight. Adjust the height with the strong metal hooks and enjoy relaxing on the tight mesh cotton rope weave. It even comes with a pillow to maximize your comfort.
Make A Push For This Cushion
I absolutely loathe those cheap, thin cushions you see at local stores. Who wants to sit on something like that? Give me these deep seating cushion sets that have a thick cushion for your back as well as your booty. Just go on ahead and replace those pathetic cushions you’ve been threatening to throw out. With 40 options to choose from and 10% off, it’s finally time.
Cushion The Blow
Those great gray chaise loungers a few products above would be even better with these water-resistant cushions on top, and more than 1,200 people have agreed with me. (They just didn’t know it at the time.) These come in six different colors and, right now, can be snagged for nearly 50% off. If that doesn’t sound like a patio present, I don’t know what does.
Out Like A Light
I hope you buy all of the lights we’ve discussed in this list and light up your patio like the Fourth of July. This two-pack of solar lanterns has the cutest design with a crackled glass finish and a rope hanger. These have automatic on/off capabilities and are waterproof and appropriate for most types of weather. Buy these now and save 12% off the list price.
Clean Sweep
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’re going to buy outdoor pillows and cushions, you’re probably going to have to clean them occasionally. This cushion cleaner tackles cushions, umbrellas, sun shades, awnings and more in a simple spray bottle design. Simple, fast application means you can spray it, wipe it clean and get back to chilling in the sun.
Go Under Cover
As we’re winding down this list of patio finds, it seems only appropriate to wind down with this sofa furniture cover, which you’re going to want out of season or when you’re not using your gear. These are designed for two- and three-seat sofas. Reviewers love the thick design of these with several calling them “amazing quality” and “definitely a good buy.”
Blow Your Cover
While we’re under cover (Get it? Under cover?), let’s throw in some lounge chair covers to go with that sofa option just above. These cover chaise loungers up to 78 inches in length, made from heavy-duty oxford fabric that’s weather-resistant and both water- and dust-proof. If you want to protect your investment, this $58 purchase is 100 percent worth it.
Pack A Picnic
What is it about a round picnic table that gives me all the childhood vibes? This six-person unit has three built-in benches (with a 500-pound capacity) and a tabletop where you can play cards, eat dinner or do a host of other table activities. Right now, this set is 22% off, making it less than $180. That’s a total steal for seating (and eating) for a half-dozen people.
Cut From The Same Cloth
The bird’s the word! This spillproof fabric tablecloth is a beautiful choice for special events or no events at all. Buy it just because. Available in a variety of sizes, this tablecloth is less than $23. (Is anything less than $23 anymore?) It’s easy-care with a stain-resistant surface and machine-washable capabilities. And, just look at those watercolor birds. Does it get any cuter?
Spray It, Don’t Say It
I have a water problem when it comes to plants, as in I want to water them constantly. And, then, well, I kill them. It’s totally not intentional, sorry plants. This garden hose nozzle sprayer is great for plant watering (not overwatering, mind you) with four spray modes. And, of course, you can use it for things besides watering, like washing your car or giving man’s best friend a bath.
Rock Stars
Listen, you don’t have to go to Cracker Barrel to get your rocking chair on; you can rock on right at home with this oversized porch rocker that’s all-weather resistant. Pick this up in black, gray or Tiffany blue. Its wood-like texture looks like the real deal but is actually more comfortable and more durable than the “real thing.”
Let’s Sail Away
Give yourself some space … to add this shade sail to your patio and protect yourself from the sun. At almost 30% off, these shades have high-density breathable fabric that blocks harmful rays without trapping hot air underneath. There are about a zillion options to choose from here, from shade size to color and everything in between. If you want a best seller f you want a best seller, look no further.